From the Session – December 2015

Published on Tuesday, 08 December 2015 15:29

We are striving to keep the congregation updated on the pastoral searches (both interim and called pastors) every step of the way. We have made significant progress toward our goals. Thank you for your patience in understanding the seriousness of the task before each committee and realizing these processes must be followed through with thoroughness.

UPDATES:

The Interim Search Committee has interviewed several candidates and is in the process of selecting a candidate to recommend to Session for approval.

The Pastoral Search Committee has posted the Church Information Form on the EPC website and will be studying the Personal Information Forms as we receive them from pastoral candidates and begin the interviewing process.

As always, if you have any questions, please refer to the EPC Book of Order or any of the Ruling Elder representatives on the search committees:

Live Nativity 2015

Published on Tuesday, 17 November 2015 13:44

POA Ministry Effectiveness Meeting

Published on Friday, 30 October 2015 14:54

On Saturday, November 14th, the Presbytery will gather at Bethany EPC in Mercer, PA from 9AM to 4PM for a Ministry Effectiveness meeting. This is not a stated meeting and no business will be conducted. All Teaching and Ruling Elders are encouraged to attend as well as church staff and lay leaders. This meeting will be an opportunity to learn more about effective leadership development, best practices regarding small group ministry, specific ways to be more effective in outreach, hear what’s actually happening with ministry networking, and learn what initiatives are developing at GA to help presbyteries and churches be more effective. This day will be interactive; a time to learn from and about each other. And of course, we will worship and enjoy a meal together. This is an opportunity that is not always available at our stated meetings.

Rev. Dr. Makari Elected Pastor Emeritus

Published on Friday, 30 October 2015 14:40

On October 25th, the Starkdale congregation was moved by affection and gratitude to continue an association in an honorary relationship with our recently retired pastor. The congregation voted unanimously to elect Rev. Dr. Philip Makari as Pastor Emeritus.

The title, Pastor Emeritus, is the highest honor given to a pastor, and that is what the Session and congregation intended for our beloved pastor of ten years. The title may be seen as an expression of 1 Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”

Emeritus comes from the Latin word emereri, which means to earn one’s discharge by service. It is an honorary title bestowed upon one who has retired from a position (pastor, professor, or other professional) and implies no official duty or responsibility.

Conferring the status of Pastor Emeritus upon our retiring pastor is a way for our congregation to say, “Reverend Makari, we hold you in a special place in our hearts, and you will always be a pastor in our congregation.”

The authority to give this honorary title to Rev. Makari was unanimously approved and placed in effect by the Presbytery of the Alleghenies of the EPC.

Rev. Dr. Philip Makari is the first Pastor Emeritus in Starkdale’s history. An induction service will take place at a date and time TBD. Stay tuned to the weekly announcements for details.

From the Session – November 2015

Published on Friday, 30 October 2015 14:37

The Interim Pastoral Search Committee and the Pastoral Search Committee have been working diligently in regard to their respective responsibilities and duties during our current interim process.

We are receiving some applications (Pastor Information Forms) for the posted interim position, and the ISC is in the process of reviewing those applications to set up interviews with candidates.

The PSC has completed the Church Information Form and it is in the process of being posted on the EPC website. Once we begin to receive Pastor Information Forms, we will begin the interviewing process. The committee is preparing interview questions and reviewing the interview process and techniques.

As always, if you have any questions, please refer to the EPC Book of Order or any of the Ruling Elder representatives on the search committees.

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